That makes her only the second Maine House member since 1899 to serve on the powerful committee, which determines spending for most government programs.

Maine 1st District Congresswoman Chellie Pingree has won a coveted seat on the House Appropriations Committee, which helps determine spending for Bath Iron Works and the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, along with most other government programs.

That makes her only the second Maine House member since 1899 to serve on the powerful committee. "It's a great opportunity to have a significant impact on how money is spent on programs that affect Maine, like shipbuilding or agriculture," Pingree says in a statement. "I know it will be a lot of work but will be well worth it to be able to influence spending priorities in Maine and nationally."

Pingress says because of the importance of shipbuilding and farming to Maine, she plans to request seats on the Appropriations Committee's Defense and Agriculture Subcommittees.

On the Senate side, Maine Sen. Susan Collins sits on Senate Appropriations. Pingree says she plans to work with Collins to ensure adequate funding for programs that impact Maine.